Yorkshire Music Industry Expo (Yorkshire MIX…) is back again on Thursday 5th and Friday 6th of March in Doncaster. Delivered by Higher Rhythm via Music Industry Yorkshire, this series of free events, part-funded by Pathways to Work, is designed to support better access to the music industry.
Previous Y-MIX events have featured established artists, venues and festivals, funders, royalty collection agencies, manufacturers, and more. This Spring 26 edition of Yorkshire Music Industry Expo rounds up more industry leaders to inform and inspire through sharing their experience. Staying true to Music Industry Yorkshire’s mission, they are all strongly linked to Yorkshire.
It’s FREE to attend. Here’s how to register:
09.45 to 11.15
Industry Panel: The DIY Spirit
A panel exploring how to build a career as an independent in today’s music industry. Featuring, Francesca Pidgeon (Artist / Producer – Dilettante), Tony Ereira (Clue Records) and Christian Carlisle (BBC Introducing). Chaired by Zawedde Walusimbi (Higher Rhythm).
11.15 to 11.45
Networking
11.45 to 12.30
Master class: Innovating live music performance
A master-class with Dilettante, workshopping her inventive use of technology to compose and perform. Led by Zawedde Walusimbi.
09.45 to 11.15
Industry Panel: What a time to be Live
A panel discussing challenges and opportunities in the live music sector. Featuring Andy O’Grady (Donnyfest Music Festival), Rebecca Walker (Music Venue Trust) and Kweku Sackey (Music Artist K.O.G.). Chaired by Zawedde Walusimbi (Higher Rhythm).
11.30 to 12.00
Funder Session: Arts Council England
Simon Benger of Arts Council England, in conversation with Zawedde Walusimbi, about funding opportunities available through this National Arts Funding and Development organisation.
12.00 to 12.30
Networking
Rebecca is Live Projects Manager for the Music Venue Trust, notably leading the ‘Revive Live’ campaign, to support grassroots touring. Previously, Rebecca spent over a decade at Sheffield’s Leadmill, as Senior Promoter and Assistant General Manager, where she was instrumental in the iconic venue’s programming.
Kweku, known as music artist K.O.G, is a Sheffield-based Afro-fusion pioneer. As the energetic frontman for K.O.G & The Zongo Brigade and Onipa, he blends Highlife, Funk, and Hip-Hop. His achievements include winning the 2018 Young Commonwealth Performer award, performing at Glastonbury, and appearing on Later with Jools Holland.
Andy has worked in the live music industry for over 20 years. The founder of Askern Music Festival and Director of DonnyFest, Andy also spent 7 years as Event Manager at the Doncaster Dome. He’s widely experienced in everything from booking artists and promoting shows to ticketing, partnerships, and on-site operations.
Francesca is the creative force behind the art-pop project Dilettante and currently signed to EMI North. A virtuoso multi-instrumentalist, she is renowned for genre-defying live shows and has toured internationally supporting acts like Self Esteem and Philip Selway as well as playing major festivals such as Glastonbury and South by Southwest.
Tony is a pivotal figure in the Northern music industry, as Director of the independent label Clue Records. He also founded Come Play With Me, a social enterprise supporting underrepresented talent in Yorkshire. A former investment banker turned industry mentor, he lectures and actively champions regional artist development.
Christian is a broadcaster, championing regional music, as long-term presenter for BBC Music Introducing across South and West Yorkshire. Christian is responsible for showcasing unsigned talent. His career began at Doncaster’s Sine FM, leading to recruitment by the BBC. Beyond radio, he is a DJ, with residencies at Propaganda and performing at major events such as Leeds Festival.
Simon Benger is Senior Relationship Manager for Music, at Arts Council England, supporting artists across Yorkshire and the Humber. Since joining in 2013, he has guided countless musicians and organisations in securing vital funding. Previously, Simon worked extensively within the music and education sectors across North England.
As a Folk and Soul singer-songwriter, Zawedde is a recipient of a PRS Foundation Women Make Music grant. Zawedde also brings her wide experience as a music creator and event organiser into her tutoring and project coordination roles at Higher Rhythm. Zawedde is also a steering board member of South Yorkshire Music Hub.
